Ryan Kent is set to exit Rangers for Vincent Kompany’s Premier League Burnley after the promoted side initiated discussion with Kent and his representatives for a precontract.
The winger, out-of-contract in June, has made it clear to Rangers now that he intends to leave, having reportedly become ‘fed up’ with Scottish football and needing a change as he hits the peak of his career.
The £7.5M winger has been the subject of a lot of criticism this season, with fans believing his impact has been too low, and while he remains the highest in the league for chances created, and there was a bit a renaissance under Michael Beale due to a tactical switch, his lack of input in all three Old Firms under Beale as well as a generally appalling goal return suggest quite clearly his Rangers race is run and he’s ready to move on.
We don’t begrudge it at all – Ryan Kent has repaid his transfer free with some stunning performances, both home and abroad (that goal in Portugal was practically worth £7M alone), and he’s never shown anything other than class and dignity during his time at Ibrox.
But all good things must come to an end, and Kent’s race with Rangers is drawing to its natural conclusion.
No significant bids ever came in for the winger aside Leeds Utd’s £8.5M rising to 10 two years ago, and Rangers rejected that outright, so while it’s hindsight, this is another one which loses us cash.
There is no resentment from us towards Kent – some fans will now hate him simply because he’s leaving, and that’s their prerogative, but Kent was never playing his whole career out at Ibrox. He’s too good, and deserves a fist at the Premier League like all top players.
As we saw v Borussia and Jude Bellingham, he can mix it with the best and outclass them.
Nothing is sealed yet, but Burnley do look very close to getting their man and we will wish him the best and follow his post-Rangers career with interest, as we do with all our big players who leave.
Duk to Ibrox anyone?